Let me introduce you to an Italian wine region you probably haven’t heard from: Alto Adige or South Tyrol. Alto Adige (in German Südtirol) is one of the smallest wine regions in Italy, but thanks to its geographical location at the intersection between the Alps and the Mediterranean, as well as the point where the German and Italian traditions meet, it is also one of the most multifaceted. If you are a fan of Italian wines and if you are looking for elegance in your wine glass then Alto Adige is the wine region for you. You can find Italian’s best Pinot Grigio in this region because of the crisp style of winemaking that will make you want to pour a second (or third) glass.

Alto Adige

One of the biggest secrets of Alto Adige is the contrast between warm summers and cold winters of vineyards grafted on the Dolomite foothills. Even though this wine region is in the North of Italy, the region enjoys a micro-climate of more than 300 days of sun per year because of the protection of the Alps in the North. The Alps protect the vineyards from cold winds, whilst in the south, the warm air currents of Lake Garda and the Mediterranean create a great atmosphere for grapes to grow. The generally cool nights even in the height of summer make that Alto Adige wines are very focused on concentrated flavors that are combined with a degree of finesse.

Around 5,000 winegrowers tend just 13,300 acres of grape growing areas in different climatic zones with variable types of soils and at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 m. (600 to 3,300 ft.) above sea level – a wide variety that brings forth a considerable dense concentration of high-quality wines. During the Alto Adige Wines Summit we have had the chance to taste more than 300 wines from the region ranging between the mid-90’s and the newest 2016 vintages. We are thrilled to present you some of the best winemakers in the region.

 

Kellerei Girlan 

This cooperative has 220 farmers that own 230 hectares of vineyards in the best growing zones of the Oltradige and Bassa Atesina. Kellerei Girlan is producing local grape varieties such as Vernatsch (Schiava), Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir but recently also started making wines from international grape varieties to meet international demand from their customers. This cooperative was founded in 1923 but renovated in 2010 to a very modern facility with the most modern techniques. I personally enjoyed the Girlan Flora Chardonnay 2015, Flora Sauvignon Blanc 2016 and also the Pinot Noirs or Kellerei Girlan is worth a try.

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Cantina Girlan
Via San Martino 24 – I-39057 Cornaiano (BZ)  – South Tyrol
Tel. +39 0471 662403
www.girlan.it

Gögglhof Winery – Franz Gojer 

The Gögglhof Winery is a small family-run business in the heart of the traditional St. Magdalena wine-growing area. This is where the Gojer family produces wines from indigenous grapes such as Vernatsch (or Schiava) and Lagrein as well as Weißburgunder (Pinot Bianco), Sauvignon and Kerner (a cross between Schiava and Riesling).  The vineyards of St. Magdalena gently roll at the edge of the city Bozen/Bolzano, south of the Dolomites. The Glögglhof, which dates back to the 14th century, nestles amidst these picturesque vineyards. The views from the top are breathtaking!

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Franz Gojer – Gögglhof
St. Maddalena – Via Rivellone, 1 – 39100 Bolzano – Italy

Tel. +39 0471 97 87 75
www.gojer.it

Tröpfltalhof

This biodynamic vineyard of 1,2 acres & guest house lies at 500 meters of altitude on a volcanic and limestone soil. The winemaker likes to interfere as little as possible into the winemaking process and vineyards while nature does its work. The owner of Tropfltalhof started making wine here in 2009 with only one goal, make great wine that doesn’t harm nature in any way. This results in a building with Steiner architecture and a 3-floor underground cellar to make sure that the wine is not disturbed during the winemaking process. No pumps, sulfites or yeast are added and gravity brings the juice from the vineyard to the amphoras on the 3rd floor. At Tröpfltalhof they make 10.000 bottles per year without a DOC label, the winemaker’s rules are stricter than the doc rules and he finds those rules too bureaucratic anyway. Make sure to taste the viognier, sauvignon blanc, and cabernet sauvignon. The wines are a great reflection of the philosophy of the winemaker and delicious in their own stubborn way.

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Tröpfltalhof – Bioweinhof, Ferienwohnungen
Garnellenweg 1739052 KalternSüdtirol/Italy
Tel. +39 0471 964126
www.bioweinhof.it

Are you a wine lover and would you enjoy spending the night in the midst of an Alto Adige winegrowing zone and getting to know fascinating winegrowers? Then the Vinum Hotels of Alto Adige is where you should stay! It’s an absolute paradise for wine lovers and true connoisseurs.